Ga Gen 2006 Fall

Georgia

Published quarterly by Georgia’s Area Agencies on Aging

TMFall 2006

Generations

Also in This Issue:■ Caregiving News & Notes■ A Look at Georgia’s AAAs

GAG06Fa Editorial 9/7/06 12:24 PM

2 Georgia Generations

Northwest GeorgiaLegacy LinkAtlanta Regional

CommissionSouthern CrescentNortheast GeorgiaLower ChattahoocheeMiddle GeorgiaCentral Savannah RiverHeart of Georgia

AltamahaSouthwest GeorgiaSoutheast GeorgiaCoastal Georgia

Area Agencies on Aging – Gateways to Community Resources

123

54

78

6

9

12

1011

1

10

Georgia is divided into 12 AAAs, each serving a different part of the state.They are:

2

35

4

7

8

69

12

11

FALL 2006 Published quarterly througha cooperative effort of Georgia’s AreaAgencies on Aging.

For information contact:Atlanta Regional CommissionAging Services Division40 Courtland St., NE, Atlanta, GA [email protected]

Editorial Project Development:JAM Communications, Atlanta, GA

Design and Production:Wells-Smith Partners, Lilburn, GA

Georgia Generations is a:

On the Cover:Eckhart Richter, professional cellist and founding member of the AtlantaBaroque Orchestra, is living proof thatcreativity does not diminish with olderage. In fact, Georgia seniors continue tocelebrate their talents and contribute totheir communities through a variety ofart forms. It’s a “win-win” for everyone.See story, page 4.

Cover and feature photography by Ben Brown.

GenerationsGeorgia

Fall 2006, Volume 6, #1 © 2006 by theAtlanta Regional Commission. The infor-mation contained herein has beenobtained from sources believed to bereliable. However, the Atlanta RegionalCommission and JAM Communicationsmake no warranty to the accuracy or reliability of this information. No part ofthis publication may be reproduced ortransmitted in any form or by any meanswithout written permission. All rightsreserved.

Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) were established under the OlderAmericans Act in 1973 to respond to the needs of older adultsage 60 and over in every community. To read more about each ofGeorgia’s AAAs and the services available, turn to a statewidemap and news from each agency, beginning on page 9.

2006


Fall 2003 3

Protect Medicare and Medicaid Benefits

Metro Atlanta: 404-463-0763Outside Metro Atlanta: GeorgiaCares 1-800-669-8387

Report suspected fraud and errors.Call your Senior Medicare Patrol Project for details and to request a presentation.

Surfing the NetEach issue of Georgia Generations offers several Web

sites devoted to caregiving information and resources:www.careplanner.org is a free Web site to help

seniors and their caregivers choose between different living options. You will need to establish an

account in order to use the site.www.familydoctor.org provides in-depth

health information from the American Academy of Family Physicians, including

medical conditions — from A to Z — plus health tips and easy-to-understandguides. Visitors can choose Spanish or English.

Look for more helpful Web sites in the next issue of Georgia Generations.

&NEWS NOTESCAREGIVING

Georgia Generations magazine haswon a silver award in the 15th

annual National Mature Media AwardsProgram. The program recognizes thenation’s finest advertising, educational andmarketing materials designed and producedfor older adults.

The magazine was honored for two entries:“Senior Travelers Hit the Road” (Spring 2005) and “A Wealth of Help for Caregivers” (Fall 2005).

Nearly 1,200 entries were judged by a panel ofmature market experts from across the United Statesfor overall excellence of design, content, creativityand relevance to the senior market.

Georgia Generations is available to older adultsand caregivers through the state’s 12 Area Agencieson Aging.

Generations WinsNational Award

ProstatePromising News

onTreatment

IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE who has been diagnosed withprostate cancer, you’ll be interested to learn that some doc-tors are starting to use minimally invasive laparoscopic sur-gery to remove the prostate. Early research indicates thisform of surgery may lead to less pain and shorter recoverytimes than conventional surgery.

It is surprising how many seniors or caregivers worry about “avoiding probate.” In many

cases, that concern is not justified — and it is frequently based on a misunderstanding of what “probate” means.

Often, the process of probating an estate is relatively quick and inexpensive. Unfortunately, for several yearsthere have been efforts to portray the probate process as slow and expensive. Sometimes the people who make these claims are trying to convince the listener to hire them to create a so-called“living trust.”

Although trust agreements are often a good way for seniors toplan their estates, they are not always necessary and usuallyinvolve higher fees up front. Individuals should always be con-cerned if the person trying to “sell them a trust” uses scare tacticsabout probate. This is especially true when the person selling thelegal documents is not an attorney. The decision of whether a trustor will is appropriate should be something that is decided afterconsulting with a qualified attorney.

About

A GoodNight’sSleep

Half of all older adultssleep fewer than seven

hours a night, and a quarterof them say they have a sleepproblem, according to arecent Gallup survey.

If you are the caregiver for aperson who has trouble sleep-ing, here are several healthconditions that could be con-tributing to the problem:

• Sleep apnea, anobstruction of the airway,which can cause a person tostop breathing repeatedly,

• Restless legs syndrome(RLS), which can cause leg “tingles,”

• REM behavior disorder,which can cause dream dis-turbances,

• Urinary problems,resulting in frequent trips tothe bathroom,

• Medications such asantidepressants, deconges-tants or high blood pressuredrugs, which can have astimulating effect on thebrain.

Be sure to review theseconditions thoroughly with a doctor.

ProbateWORRYING

Generations


WILFORD STROUD WAS A 26-YEAR-OLDpostal worker when he started a jazzband called AfroJazzTet. “I started itpartly because I liked playing the music,but my main reason was to have a way tokeep a group of us in shape and in con-tact so that when we got older, therewould still be hope for us. We’d havesomething to do when we retired,” saysStroud.

Things worked out exactly as Stroudplanned. Now 76, the Macon musicianand the band he founded still perform,albeit not with all the original members.And when he’s not playing the piano,Stroud is painting. He began picking up apaintbrush after work when he wasyounger, and since retirement hasdevoted more time to his art. Now hesells portraits and displays his paintingsin galleries and shows.

“Music and painting are therapy tome,” says Stroud. “Playing music gets myheart pumping and my blood flowing.Painting helps me to relax and clears mymind. Together, they keep my mind, spiritand body in good shape.”

Stroud knew instinctively whatresearchers are now documenting.Involvement with creative pursuits hasenormous benefits for seniors —

emotionally, psychologically and evenphysically. A study by Dr. Gene Cohen,director of the Center on Aging, Healthand Humanities at George WashingtonUniversity, found that seniors who under-took artistic endeavors were lessdepressed and less lonely than those whodid not participate. In addition, the elderartists fell less often, visited their doctorsfewer times and downed fewer medica-tions than non-artistic seniors. Whetherit’s painting, singing or writing, creativeexpression can promote social connec-tions and intergenerational bonds. Art can


Creativity/SeniorsShine in the Arts

By Martha Nolan McKenzie

The GoldenYears of


be the glue that keeps seniors connectedand contributing.

And the benefits cut both ways.Seniors’ artistic pursuits enrich society— through the art itself, as patrons ofarts and as teachers of the next genera-tion of artists.

“Seniors get so much out of theirart,” says Cindy Tandy, an associateprofessor of social work at ValdostaState University. “While I was gettingmy doctorate, I studied a group of eld-erly piano teachers — women in their80s and 90s who were still actively

teaching. All but one were in excellentphysical and mental health, and theycredited their music for keeping themengaged and active. On the flip side,society benefits from having pianoteachers with that wealth of experienceand wisdom to nurture a new genera-tion of pianists.”

“Big C” and “little c”Creativity can be divided into two

types — Creativity with a “big C,” suchas professional musicians and publishedpoets, and creativity with a “little c,”such as the person who makes ceramiccreations purely for his own enjoyment.Each type can be equally beneficial.

Evelyn Kukla loves the disciplinerequired and the adrenaline rush of performing. For the past 27 years, the70-plus-year-old Warner Robins womanhas been singing baritone with a choruscalled Wings of Harmony, which is achapter of Sweet Adelines International.The barbershop-style a capella choruscompetes annually at the regional levelin Georgia and throughout the South-east. Over the years, her chorus hasentertained audiences in Austria,France and, most recently, Ireland.

“We sing four-part unaccompaniedharmony,” says Kukla. “So every note hasto be correct and in tune. When you areonstage and feel the ring of the chordsand harmony that you know is right, well,there’s just nothing else like it!”

Kukla credits the joy of performingand the demands of learning new musicand new choreography with keeping herand other senior chorus members fit andhappy. “In our chorus of 30 members,there are about six of us who have beenperforming with ‘The Wings’ pretty muchfrom the beginning,” she says. “None ofus has any big health problems. We don’tsit around and talk about aches andpains. We don’t have the time.”

But the spotlight isn’t for everyone.Creating art can be just as beneficial tothose who do it solely for their ownenjoyment. Bill Jefferson has alwaysdabbled in a variety of artistic pursuits— carving, wood turning, mosaics,metal work. About 10 years ago, heretired from his career as a real estateagent in north Atlanta and began todevote more time to his art. Now 75,

Jefferson has built a reputation as askilled wood turner that reaches beyondhis home in Cherry Log, and he hasstarted to sell some of his creations.

Even so, Jefferson is content to cre-ate purely for his own pleasure. “Everyweek, I have a different favorite thing towork on,” says Jefferson. “I don’t wantto make 8 or 10 of the same thing. I create something once and move on.This is a hobby for me, not a job. Some-thing will just pop into my head and I’llsay, ‘I wonder if I can do that in wood.’Then I go out and try it. Sometimes itworks, sometimes it doesn’t. When itdoes, I get a real sense of accomplish-ment for having created something. Itsatisfies a need inside of me.”

Ages and stages of creativity

While seniors may be subject toother losses, the ability to create doesnot diminish with age. In fact, experi-ence, perspective and freedom fromwork constraints can enhance creativeexpression. And even if you’ve neverpicked up a paintbrush or tickled theivories, it’s never too late to begin.David Myers found that not only canyou teach old dogs new tricks, but thoseold dogs learn them at least as well asthe young pups. Associate director ofthe School of Music at Georgia StateUniversity in Atlanta, Myers conducteda study to learn more about musicallearning in older adults.

“We found that older adults are effi-cient learners as long as you accommo-date for developmental characteristics,such as the beginnings of arthritis orvisual or auditory declines,” saysMyers. “When those are accommodatedfor, older adults are equal to and some-times better than younger and middle-aged adults at learning to play music.”

Gerontologist Cohen has identifiedfour developmental stages that shapethe way our creative energy grows andthe way we express it:

MIDLIFE REEVALUATION PHASE.“During this time, creative expression is shaped by a sense of crisis or quest,”writes Cohen in The Creative Age:Awakening Human Potential in theSecond Half of Life. “Midlife is a power-ful time for the expression of human

Fall 2006 5

Painter Ann Sample


potential,” he explains, “because it com-bines the capacity for insightful reflectionwith a powerful desire to create meaningin life.” In this stage, people tend to lookfor ways to make their lives and workmore gratifying and meaningful.

Julia Evatt somehow found timebetween working full-time and raisingfour children to write and publishpoetry. For years, her poetry satisfiedher creative need. But when her chil-dren grew up and her husband passedaway, Evatt felt she needed a change.

At the age of 60, Evatt enrolled inNorth Georgia College and studied fineart and literature. “I had always wantedto sculpt, but I never had the time,”says Evatt, who is now 76 and lives inEllijay. “When I went back to college, Ifound I had a real feel for it.”

Evatt sculpted a bust of Zell Millerwhen he was governor, and from there“the commissions just started rollingin.” Evatt has done busts of several col-lege presidents and figurative sculpturesthat have been shown in galleries andart museums.

“My art keeps my mind going,” shesays. “There is an old word that is nowobsolete — ‘opsimathy.’ It means latelearning. Actually doing anything newcan retrain the currents in the brain andkeep the mind going. I know it’s donethat for me.”

LIBERATION PHASE. Creative endeav-ors in this phase are shaped by a newlevel of personal

freedom that comes both psychologi-cally from within and externallythrough retirement, according toCohen. People in this phase tend tofeel comfortable with themselves anddon’t mind experimenting or taking arisk with their art, since their senseof self-worth is firmly established.

Indeed, retirement provided Eckhart Richter the freedom to pur-sue his interest in performingbaroque music. Until 1995, Richtertaught music at Georgia State’sSchool of Music and performed as aprofessional cellist. Once he was freeof the demands of his post, he becameone of the founding members of theAtlanta Baroque Orchestra, whichperforms 17th- and 18th-centurymusic on period instruments. Richterplays baroque and classical cello inthis orchestra and is currently serv-ing as president of the orchestra’sBoard of Directors. The group per-forms five concerts a year as well asvarious out-of-town engagements.

“I’ve been interested in earlymusic since my days as a student ofPaul Hindemith at Yale,” says Richter,80. “I’ve just never had time to spe-cialize in it. Now I’ve got the time andI’m enjoying it. I’m also able to pursueother interests — I’m writing music andresearching and writing articles. I’malso still singing in the Atlanta Sym-phony Orchestra Chorus, of which I’ve

been a member since 1988.”SUMMING UP PHASE. The

desire to find a larger meaning inlife and to give something backcharacterizes creativity in thisphase. “In the role of ‘keepers ofthe culture,’ the lessons and for-tunes of a lifetime are sharedthrough autobiography and per-sonal storytelling, philanthropy,community activism and volun-teerism,” writes Cohen.

Bettie Sellers is certainlygiving back. The 80-year-oldYoung Harris woman hasachieved artistic success byany measure. Sellers, who didn’t begin writing poetryuntil she was 40, has pub-lished volumes of her poetry,been named Georgia poet

laureate by then-Governor Zell Miller andreceived state, regional and nationalawards. “I am very happy and very con-tented with what I have done and where I have been,” says Sellers.

And though she still enjoys penninga new poem, her passion has becometeaching others the language of poetry.She instructs seniors in a variety ofcontinuing education classes and talksto children at local elementary schools.

“I think if I really made an evaluativestatement of my life, what I really am isa teacher, and I’m a good one,” saysSellers. “I can make people appreciateand love poetry. There is a certainamount of talent in being able to com-municate the beauty of language to oth-ers, and that is my greatest pleasure.”

ENCORE PHASE. “This is the time ofadvancing age, in which creative expres-sion is shaped by the desire to makestrong, lasting contributions on a personalor community level, to affirm life, takecare of unfinished business and celebrateone’s own contribution,” writes Cohen.

Others characterize this phase asthe “Swan Song” phenomenon. “There


Wood turner Bill Jefferson

Singer Jannie Streetman


Fall 2006 7

is a whole area of research around thefact that many elders become highlycreative later in life, when there is akind of reconnection of the intellectual,emotional and spiritual dimensions oflife,” says Georgia State’s Myers. “Thearts seem to be a perfect way to drawall that together.”

At 85, Ann Sample has not lost herzest for painting. Or for entertaining. Orfor keeping up with current events. Orfor attending concerts and sportingevents. “I’m really very driven, and Ialways have been,” says Sample.

One of the things that used to drivethe Roswell artist was sales. “My paint-

ings have sold well all my life,” she says.“And I used to paint to sell, and to showin galleries and such. Now I don’t reallycare. Now I just enjoy the process.”

And she enjoys using her art to helpthe community. She paints artwork tobe used in flyers for arts alliances,

theaters, church groups and medicalcenters. She painted a turtle to benefitthe Sandy Springs Society, a local non-profit. She has donated time, paintinginstruction and paintings to BullockHall, a historic home in Roswell.

A win-win for everyoneCreative expression in any phase of

life carries enormous benefits both forthe individual and for society. For onething, art can be the bridge that con-nects generations. Valdosta State’sTandy recalls long afternoons sittingbeside her grandmother learning how tocrochet. “She taught me how to makeall sorts of beautiful things, and itbecame a real bond between us,” saysTandy. “I think a lot of people haveexperiences like that, where grand-parents can teach grandchildren someof their creative talents.”

Singing is one way Jannie Street-man stays connected with her son, aprofessional guitarist. The 81-year-oldAugusta woman occasionally performswith her son — she accompanied himas a soloist recently in New Hamp-shire. “I don’t think I can say mysinging keeps me younger — I’d singmore if it did,” she says. “But it makesme happy to be able to make other peo-ple smile. And it makes me smile. If Igave up performing, I’d sing around thehouse. I’ll never stop singing.”

Art can also be a bridge to connectwith others in the community. JeanneNelson Szabo credits her art with help-ing her to begin a new life when shemoved to St. Simons from New York. A painter, gallery owner and paintinginstructor, Szabo used art and teachingduplicate bridge to establish a new cir-cle of friends in her new home. “I makea lot of friends with people who come tothe studio for instruction or who cometo the gallery,” says Szabo, 80. “It’s thecore of my life right now. I love it.”

Creative expression can also helpbring someone through a loss or adver-sity. “It’s part of the human condition,”says Cohen. “Loss and adversity pushpeople to discover other aspects ofthemselves, and that might be a cre-ative aspect.”

It was the loss of her husband thatspurred Evatt to return to school and

pursue sculpting. Painting helped Sam-ple through the loss of her oldest childand her husband. And writing poetrywas good therapy for Sellers when shewas going through a divorce. “I was inturmoil, but writing about it helped mesee who I was as an individual person.”

All members of the community ben-efit from Streetman’s singing, andSzabo’s painting, and Sellers’ writing —from the depth of experience of anyolder artist. Musician Daniel Pyle seesthis clearly in the Atlanta BaroqueOrchestra. Pyle, the orchestra’s resi-dent director, explains, “There is a dif-ferent kind of depth to the performanceof older musicians that just comes withyears of experience. Eckhart Richter, forexample, has worked with or studiedunder some of the greatest musicians inthe 20th century. He brings all that tohis performance.”

The older musicians also act as rolemodels and mentors to the youngermembers of the orchestra. Again, Pylecites Richter. “Eckhart could very wellhave said, ‘I’ve played classical cello allmy life and that’s what I will continue todo.’ Instead, he wanted to explore andtry something new — playing baroquecello. That is very inspiring to theyounger musicians to see someone likeEckhart exploring new areas.”

Ultimately, older artists enrich evenbeyond their performances or finishedcanvasses. “Elders who share their cre-ativity are really giving back to societyin terms of our aesthetic and spiritualneeds,” says Georgia State’s Myers.“Some of them continue to teach. Theysupport art institutions. They engageother people around them in the artisticexperience. All of this goes toward con-tributing to a better society.” GG

Jazz pianist Wilford Stroud

“Elders who sharetheir creativity arereally giving back tosociety in terms ofour aesthetic and spiritual needs.”


By Leigh Ann Trainer, Unit Chief, Georgia Department of Human ResourcesTransportation Services Section

early one million one-way trips provided to just over7,000 elderly clients in a one-year period: That sounds like alot of available transportation, but it is really just a drop in thebucket when we compare need to availability. Recent needsassessments conducted by the Transportation Services Sectionof the Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR) and anindependent consultant with the Georgia Department ofTransportation found that only one-third of the total trans-portation service needs of the elderly statewide were beingmet.

The DHR operates a comprehensive coordinated trans-portation system to serve the clients of DHR. The systemserves elderly, poor or disadvantaged individuals, those withmental health problems or those with developmental disabili-ties. Clearly, additional resources are required to meet theneeds of current clients, as well as the increasing number ofelderly persons who will enter the system in the coming yearsas the over-60 population grows.

Many older adults lose the capacity to drive as they age orbecome disabled. Without adequate transportation, theiraccess services, capability to perform activities of daily livingand ability to go to the store or doctor or senior center becomelimited. Lack of transportation services prevents many elderlyand disabled simply from accessing critical services that theyneed to maintain independence and self-sufficiency. Trans-portation is the key component for many seniors to become

less reliant on government and achieve or maintain a level ofself-determination needed to live independently.

DHR’s Coordinated Transportation System changed tradi-tional service delivery methods. The system emulates a busi-ness rather than a government model in service delivery.Transportation providers are a mix of governmental entities,for-profit companies and private nonprofit organizations, andservices are provided to clients “on-demand.” There are nopredetermined fixed routes; each transportation providerdevises routes on a day-to-day basis, based on who needstransportation each day. Services are specialized and offermore than traditional public transportation, such as assistancegetting on and off the vehicle. The staff works with clients todetermine eligibility; eligible clients are then registered withthe Coordinated Transportation System.

In addition, DHR is exploring new systems and technologies.Smart cards, a Web-based trip tracking system, variable pay-ment reimbursement, vouchers and partnerships with GeorgiaDOT to expand public systems are a few of the concepts underreview. Also, DHR and DOT are partnering on two demonstra-tion projects in the state to expand rural public transportationoptions. A third project is under development. However, thesepilots rely on the availability of sufficient funding.

There remain unmet needs for additional servicesstatewide, as evidenced by the recent needs assessments. Allpopulation groups depend on reliable transportation, but forthe elderly and disabled throughout Georgia it is a critical life-line to independent living. GG

GUEST CLOSE-UPGUEST CLOSE-UP

Human ResourcesDepartment of

Georgia

Coordinated

SystemTransportation


A passenger is offered assistance exiting a DHR Coordinated TransportationSystem vehicle.

N


A Look at Area Agencies on Aging Around Georgia

NorthwestNorthwestGeorgiaGeorgia

AtlantaAtlantaRegionalRegionalCommissionCommission

SouthernSouthernCrescentCrescent

LegacyLegacyLinkLink

NortheastNortheastGeorgia Georgia

CentralCentralSavannahSavannahRiver River

MiddleMiddleGeorgia Georgia

SouthwestSouthwestGeorgia Georgia SoutheastSoutheast

GeorgiaGeorgia

Heart ofHeart ofGeorgiaGeorgiaAltamahaAltamaha CoastalCoastal

GeorgiaGeorgia

LowerLowerChattahoochee Chattahoochee

NorthwestGeorgia

AtlantaRegionalCommission

SouthernCrescent

LegacyLink

NortheastGeorgia

CentralSavannahRiver

MiddleGeorgia

LowerChattahoochee

SouthwestGeorgia Southeast

Georgia

Heart ofGeorgiaAltamaha Coastal

Georgia

In communities across the country, Area

Agencies on Aging (AAAs) serve as gateways to

local resources, planning efforts and services

that help older adults remain independent.

On the following pages are the programs and

services offered by Georgia’s AAAs.

Although a great deal of research isbeing done to find a cure for

Alzheimer’s disease, the only treatments sofar are drugs that prevent or delay thesymptoms for a limited time. While thereis no cure, by delaying or preventing thesymptoms of Alzheimer’s, the patients maybe able to do things for themselves for alonger period of time, thus offering themmore dignity and independence. This alsobenefits the caregivers.

There are currently five prescriptiondrugs on the market that have beenapproved by the U.S. Food and DrugAdministration for the treatment ofAlzheimer’s. Four are prescribed for thetreatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s:Razadyne® (formerly Reminyl®), Exelon® ,

Aricept® and Cognex® (which is no longeractively marketed by the manufacturer).The

fifth, Namenda®, is prescribed for moderateto severe Alzheimer’s. None of these drugsshould be stopped suddenly, as this cancause mental or behavioral changes.

To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, go online to the National Institutes of Health atwww.alzheimers.org or the Alzheimer’sAssociation at www.alz.org. The Alzheimer’sAssociation offers many direct services topatients and their families. Your AreaAgency on Aging can give you phone num-bers of contacts for Alzheimer’s services.

For other information, contact the AAA ofNorthwest Georgia, P.O. Box 1793, Rome, GA30162-1793; 706-802-5506 or toll-free 1-800-759-2963.

NORTHWEST GEORGIA ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES:Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Fannin, Floyd, Gilmer,Gordon, Haralson, Murray, Paulding, Pickens, Polk, Walker,Whitfield

Northwest GeorgiaCovers a 15-county area surrounding Rome, Dallas, Dalton, Cartersville

Fall 2006 9

Nearly half of Americans over age 85 may haveAlzheimer’s disease, but 97-year-old MyrticeMcDaniel of Chickamauga is one of those who has“dodged the bullet” and is continuing to enjoy life.

Update on Alzheimer’streatment, resources


Have you noticed the word kinshipappearing in the media lately or pop-

ping up in conversation? Ever wonderwhat it means? The word kinship refersto the relationship among family membersand the extended family. It has the root“kin,” which has been an endearing termthat Southerners have used to identify fam-ily members. Recently, the word kinshiphas been linked with the word caregiverto identify grandparents, step-grandparentsor other adults related by birth or mar-riage who provide care for a minor child.

Before 2000, the U.S. Census did notinclude statistics on relatives caring forminor children. Now that the data is avail-able, many are surprised to learn just howmany relatives have “stepped up to theplate,” often sacrificing their plans forretirement, to care for children in need.

There are 164,423 children inGeorgia living in grandparent-headedhouseholds (7.6 percent of all children in the state).There are another 53,785 children living inhouseholds headed by other relatives (2.5 percent of all children in the state)*.The combined total for the two groups of

children exceeds 10 percent of Georgia’sminor children under the age of 18.

To meet the needs of kinship care-givers, the Atlanta Regional Commission(ARC) is collaborating with communitypartners to develop supportive resourcesand services. In 2005, ARC produced theGrandparent ResourceGuide for the AtlantaRegion with funds fromthe Brookdale Founda-tion and the GeorgiaDepartment of HumanResources Aging ServicesDivision (DHR).AARPgenerously donated theprinting of the firstresource guides and justcompleted a secondprinting. In addition,ARC added a new cate-gory, “Grandparenting Services,” to thestatewide database of services for olderadults and caregivers. Kinship caregiverscan now access both the resource guidesand the database by calling 404-463-3333,the AgeWise Connection.

Last year Governor Sonny Perduehelped raise community awareness of kin-ship caregivers by allocating state funds for

kinship programs across the state, utilizingthe network of Area Agencies on Aging forthe implementation. ARC contracted withfour agencies to offer kinship care servicesranging from community education, sup-port groups, information and assistance to counseling, legal assistance, material aidand respite. (See agencies identified in box, below.)

The Clayton County Aging Program

established the first Atlanta region KinshipCare Resource Center in Jonesboro in2004. With the new state funding, they areable to serve younger kinship caregiversand offer vouchers for summer camp forthe children. Project Healthy Grandparents,which serves Fulton and DeKalb counties,has expanded their work into HenryCounty. The Institute for the Study of Disadvantage and Disability began a sup-port group and individual counseling forrelatives caring for children with develop-mental disabilities. Rockdale Countystarted a support group and began offeringrespite vouchers and material aid vouchers.

For additional information, call Mary LouVergara, ARC’s caregiver program coordinator,at 404-463-3524 or email Mary Lou at [email protected].

ATLANTA REGIONAL COMMISSION ENCOMPASSES THESECOUNTIES: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas,Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Rockdale

* Statistical data was taken from the U.S.Census Bureau Table DP-2. Profile SelectedSocial Characteristics: 2000.

Atlanta Regional CommissionCovers a 10-county area surrounding Atlanta

Cherokee County Cherokee County SeniorServices, 770-345-5312

Clayton County Clayton County Aging Program, 770-603-4050

Cobb County Cobb Senior Services, 770-528-5364

DeKalb County Office of Senior Affairs, 404-687-7117

Douglas County Douglas Senior Services, 770-489-3100

Fayette County Fayette Senior Services, 770-461-0813

Fulton County Fulton County Aging Program, 404-730-6000

Gwinnett County Gwinnett County SeniorServices, 678-377-4150

Henry County Henry County Senior Services, 770-898-7670

Rockdale County Rockdale County SeniorServices, 770-922-4633

Atlanta Regional Commission 404-463-3333

If you need caregiving information, contact an AgeWise Connection partner:


™

Kinship programs support caregivers

Kinship Care Programs in the Atlanta Region

Clayton Kinship Care Resource CenterAngie Burda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .770-477-3417

Institute for the Study of Disadvantage and Dis-

abilityJanice Nodvin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .678-595-4854

Project Healthy Grandparents — GSUJudy Perdue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .404-651-0341

Rockdale County Kinship Program


The Lower Chattahoochee Area Agencyon Aging is partnering with West

Central Health District Nutrition Servicesin a farmers market for Columbus resi-dents age 60 and above. This program is

part of the “Seniors Farmers Market Nutri-tion” pilot program that was implementedin five regions in Georgia this year.

The model is very similar to the WICprogram (Women, Infants and Children).

Georgia farmers enrolled andwere trained by the Division ofPublic Health. Seniors in socialand economic need were tar-geted to participate. Senior high-rise apartments, assisted-livingfacilities and senior centers weresites in which the farmersbrought their Georgia-grownproduce. Each participantreceived $20 worth of vouchersfor the fresh produce.

The Lower Chattahoochee

AAA is very excited about the program inthat we are teaching the value of healthyeating. Since the new food pyramid hasadded servings of fruits and vegetables toour daily diet, it could not be better tim-ing. When surveyed, many seniors said thatthey would eat more fruits and vegetablesif the produce were more affordable andtransportation were available. Now wehave the opportunity to fund a programthat has enabled 425 seniors to practicehealthy eating without the worry of costand transportation.

For further information, contact the LowerChattahoochee AAA, P.O. Box 1908, Columbus,GA 31902-1908; 706-256-2900 or toll-free 1-800-615-4379.

LOWER CHATTAHOOCHEE ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Chattahoochee, Clay, Crisp, Dooly, Harris,Macon, Marion, Muscogee, Quitman, Randolph, Schley,Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taylor, Webster

For more than 30 years, the NortheastGeorgia Retired and Senior Volunteer

Program (RSVP), administered by theAthens Community Council on Aging, hasco-sponsored with Clarke County LeisureServices an annual Harvest Festival thatserves as an educational field trip for localschoolchildren. As many as 1,200 children(primarily second and third graders) arrivein their school buses and embark on anexcursion into a nineteenth-century world.

Nearly 100 senior volunteers staffexhibits where they demonstrate hand-washing laundry, soap making, vegetablecanning, knitting, crocheting, quilt making,taffy pulling, chair caning, butter churning,wood carving, making cornhusk dolls and

wooden toys,spinning andweaving,AmericanIndian craftsof the era andmuch more.Musicians andvolunteers dressed in period clothing circulate through the exhibits, and story-tellers spin tales of life from a time thatthe children can barely imagine.

Major highlights of the day are alwaysthe farm animal exhibits, where childrencan witness life-sustaining activities such asshearing sheep or milking cows. Recentlythe festival has added a beekeeper and a

miniature goatbreeder.

This event isabsolutely free forthe children andthe adults whoaccompany them.

For informa-tion about volun-teering at thefestival, contactthe Northeast

Georgia RSVP office at 706-549-4850 [email protected].

For information about caregiving, contactthe Northeast Georgia AAA, 305 ResearchDrive, Athens, GA 30605; 706-369-5650 ortoll-free 1-800-474-7540.

NORTHEAST GEORGIA ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES:Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Greene, Jackson, Jasper, Madison,Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Walton

Lower Chattahoochee

Northeast GeorgiaCovers a 12-county area surrounding Athens, Winder, Monroe, Covington, Madison

Covers a 16-county area surrounding Columbus, Americus, Butler, Montezuma, Cuthbert

New program promotes more fruits and vegetables

Seniors at the E. J. Knight Senior Center shop with a localGeorgia farmer.

Fall 2006 11

RSVP volunteers enjoy their day of demonstrating turn-of-the-century crafts and skills like food canning.

Annual festival brings seniors and schoolchildren together


In 2005, the GeorgiaCares programimplemented Lifelong Planning to

increase public awareness of long-termcare needs, escalating costs of long-term care, limitations of public fund-ing for long-term care and variousprivate financial options to meetfuture needs.

According to the Centers forMedicare and Medicaid Ser-vices (CMS), nearly two-thirds of Americans willneed long-term care andone of four people arecurrently long-termcaregivers for friendsor relatives.Increased life

expectancies, rising health care costs andlimited public funding make it imperativethat everyone plan for future long-term

care needs.Since caregivers have experi-

ence with long-term careneeds and costs, they arekey to the evolution oflifelong planning. TheHeart of GeorgiaAltamaha AAA is com-

mitted to empower-ing caregivers

with knowl-edge aboutlifelong plan-ning and toproviding tools

to assist them in planning for long-termcare needs.To increase public awareness ofthe importance of lifelong planning, theAAA sponsors group education and individ-ual counseling at community events, sup-port groups, local hospitals and familycouncils of long-term care facilities. TheLifelong Planning program partners with the CARE-NET Collaborative to identifyand address the needs of caregivers,develop better services and improve livesof professional and family caregiversthroughout the region.

For further information, contact Heart ofGeorgia Altamaha RDC, 331 W. Parker St.,Baxley, GA 31513; 912-367-3648 or toll-free1-888-367-9913.

HEART OF GEORGIA ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES:Appling, Bleckley, Candler, Dodge, Emanuel, Evans, JeffDavis, Johnson, Laurens, Montgomery, Tattnall, Telfair,Toombs, Treutlen, Wayne, Wheeler, Wilcox

Lifelong Planning for caregivers

Heart of Georgia Altamaha

The Georgia Department of Commu-nity Health (DCH) has approved a

grant for the Southeast Georgia AreaAgency on Aging (SEGa AAA) for “Gener-ating Active Elders through Nutrition Edu-cation” (GANE). The funds will allow SEGaAAA to expand its “Live Healthy Georgia:Seniors Taking Charge!” program.

SEGa AAA has selected three seniorcenters in the region to participate in theprogram. These centers represent thegreatest number of seniors who areAfrican American, are low-income and arefrail and vulnerable. Utilizing the Universityof Georgia Department of Foods andNutrition’s Community Intervention StudyToolkit, SEGa AAA staff will conduct pre-

and post-tests fordiabetics and non-diabetics, diabeteseducation, lessonson fruits and vegeta-bles, healthy cookingdemonstrations andage-appropriateexercise sessions.

At the conclu-sion of the project,the SEGa AAAbelieves that it willsee a substantialincrease in dailyphysical activity among the seniors at the three centers. Also, the participating

seniors are expected toreport a marked increase intheir consumption of fruitsand vegetables.As for thediabetic older adults takingpart in the program, thestaff expects improvedblood glucose control. Asummary of the projectresults will be prepared inFebruary 2007.

For more information, call the Southeast Georgia AAA at1725 South Georgia ParkwayWest,Waycross, GA 31503;912-285-6097 or toll-free 1-888-732-4464.

SOUTHEAST GEORGIA ENCOMPASSESTHESE COUNTIES: Atkinson, Bacon, Ben

Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Charlton, Clinch, Coffee, Cook,Echols, Irwin, Lanier, Lowndes, Pierce, Tift, Turner, Ware

Southeast Georgia

SEGa AAA receives $45,000 GANEgrant from Georgia DCH

SEGa AAA’s program will stressportion control and the importance offruits and vegetables.

Covers an 18-county area surrounding Waycross, Valdosta, Tifton, Douglas, Folkston

Covers a 17-county area surrounding Baxley, Dublin, Vidalia, Jesup, Swainsboro


Laura Graham, Lifelong Planning Coordinator at theHeart of Georgia Altamaha AAA.


The Habersham County Senior Centerhas taken their walking program to

the people.The senior center teamed upwith Habersham County Parks and Recre-ation Department and Tugaloo HomeHealth Agency in May 2005 to provide awalking program that shows the results ofdedication to living healthy, active lives.

Seniors from the senior center, recre-ation center and local parks are encour-aged to track the miles walked. Monthlyclinics at the Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Cen-ter provide walkers with health screeningsand physical fitness assessments. LisaHoward, wellness coordinator for LegacyLink, provides an educational session forparticipants, focusing on walking and exer-

cise tips and eating for health. Legacy Link,Habersham County Parks and RecreationDepartment and Tugaloo Home HealthAgency offer incentives to Habersham

Half-Fast Walking Club participants for thespecific number of miles walked.

More than 140 participants have bene-fited from this partnership, with weight lossand decreased blood pressure. Communityparticipation in wellness activities hasincreased at the Habersham County SeniorCenter; more seniors are participating inprograms at the Ruby Fulbright AquaticCenter, and Tugaloo Home Health Agencyhas a community walking program they canrecommend to their clients — a win-winsituation for all.

For more information about the Walking Club, call 706-776-7770.

For information, contact Legacy Link,P.O. Box 2534, Gainesville, GA 30503-2534;770-538-2650 or toll-free 1-800-845-LINK.

LEGACY LINK ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES: Banks,Dawson, Forsyth, Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Lumpkin,Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, White

The Elder Rights Team at theSouthern Crescent Area

Agency on Aging (SCAAA) spon-sored two special fashion shows inMay during Older AmericansMonth. The “models” wore uni-forms of various agencies — lawenforcement, firefighters and more— and gave the seniors tips onwhat to ask for if an unknownperson comes to their door. Thetwo events reached 700 seniors.

Elder Rights Team members stress theimportance of being aware of people in thecommunity and scams that prey on sen-iors. The fashion show goal was to increaseawareness of fraud and abuse that occurwhen people misrepresent themselves to

gain access to seniors’ homes.Fashion show participants included

police, sheriff, firefighters, EMTs, ambulancestaff, UPS, BellSouth, security companiesand utility workers from cable, electric, gasand water departments. They modeled offi-cial uniforms and identification badges to

educate seniors about becoming victims offraud and abuse.

The Southern Crescent Elder RightsTeam meets bimonthly at the NewnanCoweta Senior Center. Membershipincludes staff from GeorgiaCares, Ombuds-men,Adult Protective Services, CommunityCare Services Program Care Management,Georgia Legal Services Elderly Legal Assis-tance Program and the Area Agency onAging deputy director. The group hostsannual events to bring awareness of elderabuse, exploitation and neglect into ourcommunities.

For additional information, contact theSouthern Crescent AAA, P.O. Box 1600,Franklin, GA 30217-1600; 706-675-6721,770-854-6026 or toll-free 1-866-854-5652.

SOUTHERN CRESCENT ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES:Butts, Carroll, Coweta, Heard, Lamar, Meriwether, Pike,Spalding, Troup, Upson

Legacy LinkCovers a 13-county area surrounding Gainesville, Cumming, Clarkesville, Toccoa, Hiawassee

Elder rights team sponsors awareness fashion shows

Southern Crescent

Senior center “stepsout” into community

Covers a 10-county area surrounding Franklin, Newnan, LaGrange, Griffin, Carrollton

Fashion show participants get ready to model officialuniforms.

Members of the Habersham Half-Fast WalkingClub (left to right): Ann Tallent, Winnie Cheek,Lynn Morgan and Mildred Ellison.

Fall 2006 13


Two forums were held recently to“support male caregivers in Middle

Georgia — one in Milledgeville and one inWarner Robins. The seminars were spon-sored by the Middle Georgia RDC/AreaAgency on Aging, Oconee Regional MedicalCenter, Houston Healthcare, Middle Geor-gia CARE-NET, the Methodist Home forChildren and Youth and the RosalynnCarter Institute for Caregiving.

Coach Billy Henderson was interviewedat both forums as a caregiver for his wifeof 59 years after she was diagnosed withdementia. Before becoming her caregiver,Henderson was football coach at ClarkeCentral High School in Athens, three-timestate champion. Ed Grisamore, a columnist

for the Macon Telegraph who wrote a biography of Coach Henderson titled ItCan Be Done , conducted a one-on-oneinterview for the audience.

Male caregiver panelists shared theirexperiences at each forum. Ed Grisamoremoderated a question-and-answer sessionwith the panelists, which was geared towardtheir roles as caregivers.

One of these caregivers was Mr. HolleyCowan, who is the primary caregiver forhis wife. He explained that when youbecome a husband caregiver the tradi-tional male/female roles disappear.Youcook.You clean.You keep your head up.“I’ve got to take care of myself so I cantake care of her.”

For more information on future caregiverforums or support groups, contact NatalieBrown, Caregiver Specialist at the Middle Georgia RDC/Area Agency on Aging, at 478-751-6509 or email [email protected].

MIDDLE GEORGIA ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES:Baldwin, Bibb, Crawford, Houston, Jones, Monroe, Peach,Pulaski, Putnam, Twiggs, Wilkinson

Middle GeorgiaCovers an 1 1-county area surrounding Macon, Warner Robins, Milledgeville

Central Savannah River

Ageless Artists Dorothy Goodwinand Peggy Owens enjoy drawing and

painting almost as much as they enjoy thecamaraderie in their art class offeredthrough the Augusta-Richmond CountyRecreation and Parks Department. In addi-tion to providing an outlet for older adultsto express their creativity, the class givesthem opportunities for socialization andinteraction with others.

“My husband is ill and this is my onlyout,” reports Goodwin as she paints abluebird. She maintains that family isimportant but that seniors also need con-tact with other individuals who share com-mon interests or hobbies.

For these two ladies, and the 25 otherswho participate in the Ageless Artists

class, painting and drawing have beeninvaluable. “I don’t know what I would dowithout this group,” reports one artistwho painted alone for several years. Sheroutinely struggled with depression but

was able to join the group when the classschedule changed. She now finds supportfrom the other artists.

It is easy to see the social benefits of thegroup, but the class members come to learnnew techniques and practice their art.“Besides,” comments Goodwin,“we arelearning a lot. Painting keeps our minds active,in addition to filling our emotional needs.”

The Ageless Artists class is open toall ages and meets Monday,Tuesday andWednesday at 10 a.m. at the Minnick ParkRecreation Center.

For more information, contact the CSRARegional Development Center Area Agency onAging at 706-210-2000 or 888-922-4464 orwww.areaagencyonaging.com.

CENTRAL SAVANNAH RIVER ENCOMPASSES THESECOUNTIES: Burke, Columbia, Glascock, Hancock, Jefferson,Jenkins, Lincoln, McDuffie, Richmond, Screven, Taliaferro,Warren, Washington, Wilkes

Coach Billy Henderson (left) with Ed Grisamore(right) at a male caregiver forum.


Ageless Artists class

Male caregiver forumsoffer inspiration

AAggeelleessss AArrttiissttss such as Erluth McArthur (shownabove) display their work at the DHR HealthyAging Summit.

Covers a 14-county area surrounding Augusta, Thomson, Martinez/Evans, Waynesboro, Sandersville


The Coastal AreaAgency on Aging is

now offering expandedInformation and Assis-tance services for sen-iors, those withdevelopmental disabili-ties and their care-givers. By calling1-800-580-6860,individuals will reachtrained Information andAssistance specialists atthe Coastal Georgia AAA who can con-nect them to information and resourcesfrom a database of over 2,000 local pro-grams, businesses and facilities servingCoastal Georgia, and more than 18,000

services acrossthe state.

This infor-mation covers abroad spectrum,ranging fromhealth careservices torecreationalpursuits. Inaddition tobasic elder careservices, the

Enhanced Services Program (ESP)database contains specific information onsuch unusual topics as pet care servicesfor seniors, service animal programs, programs

seeking senior volunteers and resourcesfor grandparents who are raising theirgrandchildren.

Caregivers in Coastal Georgia, as wellas long-distance caregivers from all overthe United States, are frequent callers.Now that ESP has been expanded toinclude services for those with disabilitiesand special assistance for grandparents,coastal residents will have access to moreinformation and referral options.

The Coastal Georgia Area Agency onAging is committed to continuing toexpand its services to inform and assistour region’s rapidly growing senior popula-tion, as well as those with disabilities andtheir caregivers.

For Information and Assistance, call 1-800-580-6860.

COASTAL GEORGIA ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES:Bryan, Bulloch, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn,

The Southwest Georgia CARE-NET,under the auspices of the Rosalynn

Carter Institute for Caregivers, is nowentering its fifth year of existence as acoalition of both professional and familycaregivers in the 14-county area of South-west Georgia.

The Southwest Georgia CARE-NETworks as “a circle of support for care-givers, ever adapting to changing needs.” Itsmission is to develop the network of pro-fessional and family caregivers to supportand empower other caregivers througheducation (workshops), advocacy (townhall meetings), communication, reduction ofbarriers, resource development, informa-tion and referral, pro-active planning andproviding other tools as identified andneeded.

At a recent retreat to review and renewour vision, members of the CARE-NET

looked to the future and the impendingcrisis that will be brought on by a dra-matic increase in the population of olderAmericans as the number of professionalcaregivers continues to drop. At the sametime, people with disabilities are livinglonger due to better medical care.They,too, will need caregivers. The CARE-NETin Southwest Georgia is taking on thechallenge to increase awareness, to seekand develop solutions and to influencetheir implementation.

For further information, contact the South-west Georgia Area Agency on Aging at 1105Palmyra Road, Albany, GA 31701-2508;229-432-1124 or toll-free 1-800-282-6612.

SOUTHWEST GEORGIA ENCOMPASSES THESE COUNTIES:Baker, Calhoun, Colquitt, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady,Lee, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Terrell, Thomas, Worth

New visions for the Southwest Georgia CARE-NET

Southwest GeorgiaCovers a 14-county area surrounding Albany, Bainbridge, Moultrie, Thomasville

Coastal Georgia AAA Information and AssistanceSpecialist Peggy Luukkonen provides informationto a caller using resources in the EnhancedServices Program (ESP) database.

Dr. Rick Birkel, executive director of the RosalynnCarter Institute for Caregivers, and Anne Stokes,CARE-NET member and also coordinator forDougherty for Children, discuss issues facingcaregivers at the caregiver retreat held in Camilla,Georgia.

Coastal GeorgiaCovers a 9-county area surrounding Brunswick and Savannah

Coastal Georgia AAA expands information services

Fall 2006 15


SponsorsThanks to these Georgia companies and organizations for their generous support

AARPAssuming responsibility for the home care of loved

ones can involve assist-ing with daily activities,managing high-tech

medical treatments and dealing with issues arounddying. AARP’s “Life Answers” program can help youmeet these critical responsibilities. Find out more atwww.aarp.org/lifeanswers

Accessibility Services Plaza 30,000 feet of products and services. Metro’s most

complete inventory ofwheelchairs, scooters,home access solutions

(accessible model home), accessible vans and home healthcare services. 678-819-7583 orwww.rehab-plaza.com

Bridgebuilders, Inc.Personal care in thecomfort and privacy ofyour own home.

Customized services delivered with compassion,integrity and professionalism. 600 S. Central Ave.,Hapeville 30354; 404-765-4300.

EasyLiving HomeAccessible, visitableand livable for every-one! Homes built with

the future in mind. A voluntary certification program.www.easylivinghome.org

GeorgiaCaresGeorgiaCares is a private publicpartnership that assists Medicarebeneficiaries with health insurance

questions and Medicare problems. GeorgiaCares alsoseeks to enroll all eligible Medicare beneficiaries inall low-cost prescription assistance programs. Forassistance please call 1-800-669-8387.

Georgia Council on AgingThe Georgia Council on Aging advocates on behalf of olderGeorgians and their families. For more information, please visit

the Web site at www.gcoa.org

Isakson-BarnhartGeorgia’s developer of award-winning senior residential communities, providing amenity-rich

independent living and healthcare

for discerning adults over age 62, including ParkSprings, recipient of the 2005 Platinum Award by the NAHB, and Peachtree Hills Place, which will open in 2008. www.isaksonbarnhart.com

PfizerThe “Health, Medicines &Lifestyles” icon on Pfizer’s Website will lead you to topics that

include “Profile of Caregiving,” “Exploring Your Health On Line” and many more. www.pfizer.com

Sixty Plus, Piedmont HospitalA program to enhance the well-being of olderadults and their familiesby providing services,

education and support. 1968 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta30309; 404-605-3867.

Southern Home Care ServicesNursing and personalcare services tailored

to your needs, Southern Home Care Services servesall ages with compassion, skill and respect. Licensedand accredited. www.southernhomecareservices.com

Bridgebuilders, Inc.Bridgebuilders, Inc.


How can I help?The Thanks Mom and Dad Fund® supports aging programs and can honor someone who has been an inspiration to you. Call 1-800-676-2433 to learn how.

Georgia Generations is published and supported byGeorgia’s Area Agencies on Aging.

Additional circulation support is provided by thegenerous sponsors listed here. For more information onbecoming a sponsor of Georgia Generations, please call404-463-3222.


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